Pragmatic dialogue effective way to promote China-US relations

10:17, May 05, 2012

The fourth round of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, an important meeting between the two countries this year, was held in Beijing from May 3 to May 4.

Both sides attach great importance to and have high expectations for the dialogue mainly for two reasons. First, the previous three rounds of the dialogue all yielded remarkable results, and added fresh impetus to China-U.S. relations.

The development of China-U.S. relations is a process of building up mutual trust and solving problems. It has been recognized in both countries that cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation can only hurt. However, interference by outdated rules and clashes of interests have brought many challenges for the countries in terms of enhancing strategic mutual trust.

In order to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state to establish a partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, the two countries should take long-term interests into consideration, put aside differences, and increase consensus, which requires wisdom, rationality, and courage. Pragmatic dialogue is undoubtedly a constructive and effective way to remove strategic misunderstanding and resolve disputes and friction.

Disputes and friction are a natural part of China-U.S. relations as they are in different development levels and have different growth models. Trade friction between the two countries has increased along with their rapid progress in carrying out substantial cooperation in a wide range of areas. Pragmatic dialogue can not only help resolve problems and disputes properly, but also provide strong practical support for the development of China-U.S. relations.

China has confidence in the strategic and economic dialogue, and believes that the two countries can gradually reduce differences, enhance cooperation, and build a new type of relations between great powers, if they carry out every round of the dialogue in a down-to-earth manner.

China hopes that the two countries will continue to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and improve their cooperative partnership from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.